Northside Christian Church
by Nathan Lawson
Welcome to the official podcast of Northside Christian Church—where faith meets real life. Each week, you’ll hear inspiring, practical messages rooted in Scripture and designed to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus. Whether you’re exploring faith for the first time or looking to go deeper, these teachings will challenge, encourage, and equip you to live with purpose and hope. Join us on the journey and discover how God is at work in you and through you—right here, right now.
Episodes
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Our Father | The Lord's Prayer | Nathan Lawson
Most of us can say the Lord's Prayer without thinking. This week we discover what we've actually been holding all along: the gospel, folded small enough to carry, ready to reshape how we pray and how we talk about Jesus with the people around us. (Matthew 6:5-13)
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Friendship | Message 1 of 4 in Unfiltered & Unfinished | Nathan Lawson
It's 11:40 on a Tuesday night in a hospital parking lot, and out of a thousand "friends," who do you actually call? This first message in Unfiltered and Unfinished makes the case that friendship is not a lifestyle accessory but the school of love, where God teaches every skill our other...
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Reflection 2 | Week 9 | Face to Face
Of all the things Scripture could say about Moses: lawgiver, prophet, the man who split the sea, the book of Exodus pauses to record something quieter: "The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend." Not master and servant. Not king and subject. Friend. And the Hebrew…
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Reflection 1 | Week 9 | Show Me Your Glory
Moses asks to see God's glory. God answers by showing him his goodness. That substitution, easy to read right past, is the summit of the book of Exodus. In this reflection, we sit with the boldest prayer in the Old Testament, the answer nobody expects, and the question underneath both: after...
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Show Me Your Glory | Message 9 of 9 in Journey up the Mountain | Nathan Lawson
Only once in all of Scripture does God stand and describe himself at length, out loud, to a human being. It happens on Mount Sinai, in answer to the boldest prayer in the Old Testament, and what God leads with isn't power. In this final message, we zoom out on the whole book of Exodus, watch how...
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Reflection 2 | Week 8 | Dust in the Water
Somewhere in a Goodwill right now sits something you once believed would make you happy. We buy, we hope, we donate, we repeat. Exodus tells the story of the strangest ending any treasured object ever got: Moses grinds the golden calf to powder, scatters it on the water, and makes the people…
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Reflection 1 | Week 8 | The God We Can Use
Here's what many get wrong about the golden calf: Israel wasn't leaving Yahweh. Look closely and Aaron announces a festival to the LORD, the personal, covenant name of God, right in front of the statue. They kept the right name and the right rescue story. They just poured him into a shape they...
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Golden Calf | Message 8 of 9 in Journey up the Mountain | Nathan Lawson
Why would a people who just watched the sea split build a statue forty days later? Not because they stopped believing, because Moses was late. Forty days of silence on the mountain, and the people filled the gap with something they could see. A golden calf is manufactured certainty: it's what we...
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A Dwelling on the Move | Message 7 of 9 in Journey up the Mountain | Nathan Lawson
Nobody has ever mistaken a tent for a cathedral. So it's worth noticing that when God gave his people their first instructions for a place of worship, he didn't ask for stone, spires, or permanence. He asked for a tent: something with pegs and poles, built to be packed up and carried. In this...
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Reflection 2 | Week 7 | The Empty Space
In every temple in the ancient world, the innermost room held a statue of the god. Egypt, Babylon, Canaan; walk far enough in, and you reach the god's shape. But at the center of Israel's worship, between the wings of the cherubim, there was nothing. No image. No figure. Open air. This reflection...
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Reflection 1 | Week 7 | What You Brought out of Egypt
The creation of the entire universe gets two chapters. This tent gets thirteen. Either the Bible has terrible editorial judgment, or something is happening in the tabernacle that most of us have been skimming past. In this reflection, we slow down in the most skipped section of Exodus and find...
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Reflection 1 | Week 6 | The Church's Two Voices
In this reflection, we step back from Exodus to ask a question many of us carry quietly: how do grace and obedience fit together? If God's love is a free gift, why does following him seem to come with commands? What we find is that these were never two separate things. God doesn't rescue us first...
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Beyond the Letter | Journey Up the Mountain [6 of 9] | Nathan Lawson
Anyone who's spent time in church knows the whiplash. One week the message is all grace, come as you are, it was never about you. The next week it's the narrow gate, and you'd better straighten up. So which is it? Nowhere does that question press harder than the Ten Commandments, and it turns out...
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Reflection 2 | Week 6 | Costly Grace and the Real Invitation
Building on Reflection 1 (The Church's Two Voices), we turn to the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus gives his own teaching on the Law. At first, his words sound impossibly demanding: not just don't murder, but don't stay angry; not just don't commit adultery, but guard the heart. But listen…
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Reflection 2 | Week 5 | The Shape of Freedom
Before God says "do," he says "I already did." Exodus 20 opens not with a demand but with a rescue already finished: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt. The Ten Commandments come after that, and they come to people who are already free. So they were never the price of belonging....
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A New Horizon | Journey Up the Mountain [5 of 9] | Nathan Lawson
We hear "law" and brace for a fence. Sinai opens differently. Before the first command, God names who he is and what he's already done: rescued them, brought them out. The commands come after the rescue, not before it. In this message, Nathan walks from that opening word through the command…
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Reflection 1 | Week 5 | The Rusted Bicycle
Freedom is more than the absence of restraint. It is the capacity to live the way you were made to live. Cut a seized, rusted bicycle free from the rack and you have removed the constraint, but you have not given the bike back to itself. The bearings are frozen, the chain is fused solid, the…
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Reflection 2 | Week 4 | Raised Hands
The first fight Israel faces after Egypt is against the Amalekites, and you'd expect it to turn on the men with swords. It doesn't. It turns on an old man on a hill, holding his hands up in prayer. But Moses gets tired, the way anyone gets tired, and his arms begin to drop. Exodus doesn't treat...
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Reflection 1 | Week 4 | Open Hands
The moment Israel walks out of Egypt, God starts the long work of making them a people. There's no roadmap, no pantry, no plan they can see. Just a wilderness and a promise. So God feeds them, but the way He feeds them is the lesson: bread that falls fresh each morning, enough for the day and not…
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Provision in the Wilderness | Journey Up the Mountain [4 of 9] | Nathan Lawson
Manna you can't store overnight. Water from a rock. Then a battle won by a man who can't hold his own arms up. In this message, Nathan looks at what God was teaching Israel in the wilderness: to trust him for enough, to be content with today, and to question the quiet assumption that every…
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Reflection 2 | Week 3 | What You Cannot Bring
At Passover, God commands his people to clear every trace of yeast from their homes. Paul picks up that image and turns it inward: the sin and clutter we tolerate works like leaven, quietly spreading until it shapes the whole loaf. Clear it out, and we're freer to follow God wherever he leads.
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Reflection 1 | Week 3 | The Lamb You Eat
Taken from Exodus 12:11-13, this reflection shows how the communion that we take as Christians is connected to the Passover meal. This meal was meant to point back to the moment of rescue, but also to give the Israelites strength for the journey ahead.
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Crossing into Freedom | Journey Up the Mountain [3 of 9] | Nathan Lawson
Egypt's army is closing fast behind them, chariots and dust on the horizon, and the only thing in front of them is the sea. There's nowhere to run and nothing to do, which is exactly the position God seems to want them in. Then He opens a road where there wasn't one. This is the moment Israel…
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Reflection 2 | Week 2 | The Room That Forgot the Sun
Week 2, Reflection 2 explores Exodus 8:15 and the repeated hardening of Pharaoh’s heart to show how small, repeated refusals can turn into a settled resistance to God’s light. Through the image of a room that keeps its curtains closed, the episode explains how habits and neglect either open us to...
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Dethroning the gods | Journey Up the Mountain [2 of 9] | Nathan Lawson
Pharaoh sneers, 'Who is Yahweh that I should obey him?' Over ten plagues, God answers, dismantling the gods of Egypt one by one. Nathan Lawson walks through the showdown and what it reveals about the God who refuses to be ignored.
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Reflection 1 | Week 2 | More Bricks, More Problems
Week 2, Reflection 1: A study of Exodus 5:19–22. Using the Israelites’ story, a modern marriage example, and Gregory of Nyssa, the episode shows that increased pressure can be a sign that liberation is underway. To get your copy or learn more, visit www.northsidcc.org.
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Reflection 2 | Week 1 | Show Me Your Glory
Week 1, Reflection 2 in our study through the Book of Exodus. This episode explores Exodus 33:18, tracing Moses’ transformation from self-doubt at the burning bush to a bold longing for God’s glory at Mount Sinai. Rather than shrinking his desires, Moses’ journey deepens and redirects them toward...
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Reflection 1 | Week 1 | The Quiet Life in Midian
Welcome to Week 1, Reflection 1, in our guided study through Exodus, focusing on the life of Moses. This episode reflects on Exodus 3:4-6, the burning bush that breaks into Moses’ settled life in Midian, calling him to turn aside and discover God’s presence: "I will be with you." It explores how...
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From Fear to Commission | Journey Up the Mountian: Exodus 1 of 9
Nathan Lawson introduces Exodus by following Moses at the burning bush: an ordinary shepherd, an extraordinary interruption, and a reluctant call to lead God’s people out of Egypt. It highlights Moses’ hesitation, God’s promise to be with him, and how Exodus reveals worship as a journey of…
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Too Familiar | The Gospel of John & Rooted [Part 1 of 8] | Nathan Lawson
This episode walks through the opening of John’s Gospel, exploring how familiarity and expectations can blind us to Jesus’ presence and mission. Nathan walks us through the beginning of The Gospel of John, describing discipleship and rooted community, emphasizing that God initiates renewal. John...
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How's that working for you? Finding Joy in Work | Nathan Lawson
This episode explores the honest, sometimes uncomfortable lessons from Ecclesiastes about work: how we often start with excitement than lose joy, the dangers of envy and ease, and why modern expectations make work feel heavier than before. Through stories and practical guidance, Nathan shows us…
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How's that working for you? Reactions | Nathan Lawson
This episode explores how reactivity and false needs, control, perfectionism, always knowing the answer, being needed, and craving approval, fuel recurring family and social conflicts. Drawning from work by Steve Cuss and rooted in Psalm 46, the message invites listeners to trade anxiety for...
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How's that working for you? Cynicism | Nathan Lawson
This episode reflections on Psalms 1 to challenge us to examine the voices we are allowing to shape our lives. It contrasts mockery and cynicism with a gospel-centered mentality that delights in God’s guidance. Practical invitations include meditating on God’s word, planting deep spiritual roots...
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Built Different 1 | A Firm Foundation | Nathan Lawson
Every story needs a center—and for Paul, that center is Jesus. As we begin our Colossians series, we dive into Colossians 1:17 to explore what it means for Christ to hold all things together.
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No Regrets 4 | Not So Simple | Nathan Lawson
Life is complicated and a simple outlook causes us to misunderstand miss oppurtunities. Nathan uses Proverbs to show why recognizing patterns and seeking wisdom matters. Listeners are encouraged to combine humility, practical knowledge, and discernment, changing habits that lead to repeated...
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No Regrets: Spend Less, Enjoy More | Nathan Lawson
This episode explores how consumer culture and the pursuit of 'better' can leave us restless and unhappy. Drawing on Proverbs, the Nathan challenges listeners to reconsider what 'better' means, favoring peace, relationships, and creativity over constant upgrades and accumulating stuff. Practical...
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Circle Check | No Regrets Part 2 | Nathan Lawson
This episode explores Proverbs-based wisdom about friendship: how our closest relationships shape our habits, and the dangers of echo chambers and 'faithful fools' who lead us into harm. It offers practical guidance—seek trusted advisors, perform a circle test to remove unhealthy influences, and...
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No Regrets: What I Should Have Said | Nathan Lawson
This episode introduces a four-week look through Proverbs with the theme "No Regrets," teaching how to learn from experience and avoid repeating mistakes. It focuses on the power of words: practicing restraint, using the notice–name–navigate method for heated conversations, and applying active...
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Where do we go from here | Nathan Lawson Life of David Part 10
David learns God will not let him build the temple because of his violent past, so he humbly prepares the resources and instructions for his son Solomon to complete the work. The episode explores themes of repentance, sacrificial worship, and investing in the next generation. David models…
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The Ripple Effect | Nathan Lawson | Life of David Part 9
In this episode we explore the aftermath of David’s sin with Bathsheba and how his silence and unaddressed failures ripple into the next generation—leading to Amnon’s assault on Tamar, Absalom’s vengeance, and a kingdom torn apart. The message calls listeners to accept God’s forgiveness but also…
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When a King Stumbles: On David & Bathseba | Nathan Lawson | Life of David Part 8
At the moment when everything was finally going well for David, he makes a terrible series of choices that lead to tragedy and heartache. We look at the story of David and Bathsheba and witness David's abuse of power for personal pleasure. This episode delves into the importance of learning from...
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Worshiping Like a Warrior | Mark Pemberton | Life of David Part 7
In this episode, join Mark Pemberton, the discipleship minister at Northside, as he delves into the life of David and the essence of worship. Mark explores the multifaceted nature of worship, transcending beyond a mere precursor to sermons. Discover the true power of worship, encapsulated by the...
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From Flea to Fury | Life of David Part 5 | Nathan Lawson
In this episode, we continue our exploration of the life of David, focusing on a riveting tale of conflict and resolution. As we delve into 1 Samuel chapter 25, we uncover the story of David's encounter with Nabal, a wealthy yet foolish man, and his wise wife, Abigail. David, fresh from victories...
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Trusting in the Cave | Life of David Part 4 | Nathan Lawson
Today's sermon explores the life of David, reflecting on his incredible patience and integrity as he navigated the challenges thrown his way by King Saul. Through David's story, we learn about the unexpected detours life may present us and the importance of unwavering loyalty to God, even when...
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David & Goliath | Life of David Part 3 | Nathan Lawson
In this episode from Northside Christian Church, we explore the pivotal moments in the life of David, a man with a heart after God's own. Through his iconic battle with Goliath, we uncover timeless lessons about courage, faith, and the need to see beyond life's giants. From sibling rivalry to...
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A Man After God's Own Heart | Life of David: Shepherd Warrior King Part 2
In this episode, we explore the fascinating journey of David, a youthful shepherd chosen by God to be king. In 1 Samuel 16 we first meet David with the story of David's anointing and the lessons it holds for authentic leadership. Despite the allure of immediate success, David teaches us the power...
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The Beginning of the End of Saul | Life of David Part 1
Join us as we explore the compelling journey of King Saul in our new sermon series, "The Life of David, Shepherd, Warrior, and King." Although David will be the central figure in the upcoming sessions, this episode focuses on the intriguing narrative of Saul, Israel's first king, and the lessons…
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Crazy Big Family | You Asked For It Part 5
Why are there so many different kinds of churches—and what does that say about the truth of Christianity? In this episode, we explore five big questions that help us understand where Christian traditions agree, where they differ, and why unity still matters. From ancient creeds to modern…
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About this show
Welcome to the official podcast of Northside Christian Church—where faith meets real life. Each week, you’ll hear inspiring, practical messages rooted in Scripture and designed to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus. Whether you’re exploring faith for the first time or looking to go deeper, these teachings will challenge, encourage, and equip you to live with purpose and hope. Join us on the journey and discover how God is at work in you and through you—right here, right now.
Hosted by
Nathan Lawson
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